Ezra Klein’s appearance at a private retreat for Senate Democrats earlier this year triggered internal concerns at the New York Times over whether the star columnist was edging too close to partisan politics, according to a report.
Sources familiar with the situation told Axios that concerns were raised within the newspaper — which has “typically has frowned on such actions by its journalists, even opinion columnists,” Axios reported — following his remarks at the one-day retreat in Mount Vernon, Va., in May.
He reportedly gave lawmakers a private briefing shortly after the release of his bestselling book “Abundance,” which “challenges liberals to create a more dynamic and prosperous society by cutting regulations and embracing new technologies,” as Axios put it.
Klein’s invite to the retreat came as he’s gained influence among both lefty audiences and progressive officeholders — many of whom view the policy proposals in “Abundance” as a blueprint to recapture the White House and Congress.
Asked for comment, Times spokesperson Danielle Rhoades said, “Ezra is a tremendous talent.”
“He talks to people across the ideological spectrum; it’s essential for his reporting to have those conversations, and he approaches them as a journalist,” she added. “All of this makes him an ideal opinion columnist and host.”
Klein’s podcast, which draws up to 500,000 monthly listeners, is consistently ranked among the most listened-to programs on digital platforms including Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
His columns are among the Gray Lady’s most-clicked pieces, according to internal data cited by Axios.
Klein’s rising stardom has reportedly endeared himself to superiors including Sam Dolnick, the newspaper’s deputy managing editor and fifth-generation member of the Ochs-Sulzberger family that has controlled the Times for nearly 130 years.
Jill Abramson, the Times’s former executive editor, told Axios she didn’t see a conflict of interest in Klein’s talk at the Virginia retreat.
“It’s true that this is a blurry line between journalism and politics and governing,” she told the news site.
“But he’s in the opinion category and not covering news — that’s a little blurry itself.”
Klein’s increasing influence among powerful Dems — including potential 2028 presidential candidates — has raised eyebrows in the party, according to Axios.
He has met privately with the likes of former Vice President Kamala Harris, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and California Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Klein is also said to have held court with Josh Shapiro, the Pennsylvania governor who is reportedly interested in appearing on his podcast, according to Axios.
Some Democrats are said to be concerned about Klein’s increasing influence in the party given the fact that it is looking to woo working class voters who have defected to the Republicans in recent elections.
“You’re telling me this man who sits in a f–king West Elm-decorated office is going to be the thought leader for Democrats?” one Democratic aide to a potential presidential candidate told Axios.
The Post has sought comment from Harris, Moore, Newsom and Shapiro.
This story originally appeared on NYPost
